Imaging technique reveals first 2D chainmail-like material

Atomic structure of a two-dimensional, mechanically interlocked polymer obtained using tilted-corrected bright field microscopy.

An advanced imaging technique developed at Cornell has revealed the first two-dimensional, mechanically interlocked polymer. Resembling the interlocking links in chainmail, the nanoscale material was developed by researchers at Northwestern University and features remarkable flexibility and strength, making it a promising material for applications such as light-weight body armor and ballistic fabrics. This is a breakthrough in both material design and electron microscopy. Further details are here.